Theo Osterkamp | |
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![]() Osterkamp in 1918 | |
Birth name | Paul Louis Theodor Osterkamp |
Nickname(s) | Onkel (Uncle)[1] |
Born | Düren, Rhine Province, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire | 15 April 1892
Died | 2 January 1975 Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany | (aged 82)
Allegiance | |
Service/ | ![]() ![]() |
Years of service | 1914–1944 |
Rank | Generalleutnant (major general) |
Commands | JG 51 |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp (15 April 1892 – 2 January 1975)[2] was a German fighter pilot during World War I and World War II. A flying ace, he achieved 32 victories in World War I.[3] In World War II, he led Jagdgeschwader 51 up to the Battle of Britain and claimed a further six victories during World War II, in the process becoming one of only a few men to score victories and become an ace in both world wars.